LMHS band enjoys trip to Florida over spring break

The Lake Mills High School Band had a phenomenal trip to Florida during Spring Break. Loading the bus Monday, March 18, at 5:30 a.m., the band traveled south and drove straight to Cocoa Beach. They enjoyed a taco buffet at “Coconuts on the Beach,” before heading down to the beach to experience the ocean.
The next stop was a shopping trip to Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, and then they were off to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The 35 students and 15 chaperones surely enjoyed the rides and sights the park had to offer.
Wednesday, March 20, was the big performance day, but they started off exploring Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The bus then took the students to a Disney Performing Arts building to get changed and warm up for their performance. After warming up, the bus brought the band and guests over to Disney Springs for their performance at the Marketplace Stage.
The LMHS Concert Band gave an outstanding performance to a packed crowd. Disney visitors were dancing and singing along to each of the band’s musical selections. The band was presented with and gifted a golden Mickey Mouse trophy and each student got a set of exclusive Disney Performing Arts Mickey ears that are only given to people who perform on a Disney stage.
Following their performance, the band headed to Disney’s Epcot park which concluded with an incredible fireworks show that celebrates the spirit of humanity in a show called ILLUMINATIONS: Reflections of Earth.
The group spent their entire Thursday at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, and again they were treated with a jaw-dropping light and firework display at Cinderella’s Castle.
Friday, March 22, was spent at Universal Studios. Students and chaperones had Park-to-Park passes that allowed them to go between Universal Studios, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Citywalk. Dinner was provided at the Hard Rock Cafe prior to attending a concert by the Blue Man Group. The group then hopped on the bus and drove through the night and arrived back in Lake Mills on Saturday evening. Everyone came back with great memories.
Freshman Kristina VanCannon wrote, “I had a great time at Disney World. I thought it was so cool that I got to go as a freshman, I will never forget this. I love this band so much and I’m glad I got to go on this trip with them. The performance was super fun, plus the Mickey Mouse trophy was worth it.”
Chaperone Mark Heggestad wrote, “This trip consisted of multiple memory-making opportunities not only with my daughter, but also with an absolutely amazing group of students, band instructor, fellow parents, and supporters of the Lake Mills Schools. The most memorable moment for myself as a parent of a band student was the LMHS band’s performance at Disney Springs. It was a performance that was unbelievable. Just seeing the amazing smiles, and glow in each of the students’ eyes while they were performing was absolutely astonishing. To experience the results of the hard work, practice, positive attitudes, and willingness to succeed by the kids, that has been instilled into their minds from an outstanding educator, Mr. Sletten. The passion that he has for his profession, was very evident in their performance, as the students played their hearts out not only for themselves, but for him (Mr. Sletten), the school system, parents, and the audience at Disney Springs. The students definitely played with Lake Mills’ Bulldog pride. It was great to see the audience participating with the students, as they played the final song of their performance, by clapping, toe-tapping, and singing while the kids performed was fantastic. What an experience it was to witness this, it just made the experience a complete accomplishment at this point, of the trip. I literally shed tears of joy, following the performance from this amazing group of students and Mr. Sletten. It was a trip I will treasure and remember forever.”
Senior Madison Kopp wrote, “When I was in eighth grade, I heard so many great things about the Florida Band Trip, and I was so excited that I would be going for my senior year. Going on crazy rides, meeting amazing characters, and making so many unforgettable memories with my family . . . this trip was the perfect way to end my senior year.”